Crusaders name team to play the Sunwolves

Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson has named his side to play a historic first match against the Sunwolves in Japan this Friday night.

The match will see prop Wyatt Crockett set a new record for the most Super Rugby appearances by any player with 176, while All Blacks captain Kieran Read will make his return to Super Rugby following wrist surgery, taking the Number 8 spot.

Two other players who are fresh from injury are Jack Goodhue, who will start at centre, and Seta Tamanivalu who will play on the opposite wing to his nephew Manasa Mataele for the first time.

First five Richie Mo’unga also returns for the first time since Round One when he fractured a bone in his hand.

Crusaders team to play the Sunwolves:

1.  Wyatt Crockett 
2.  Ben Funnell
3.  Michael Alaalatoa
4.  Luke Romano 
5.  Sam Whitelock (C)
6.  Pete Samu
7.  Matt Todd (VC)
8.  Kieran Read
9.  Mitchell Drummond 
10.Richie Mo'unga
11. Manasa Mataele
12. Tim Bateman 
13. Jack Goodhue
14. Seta Tamanivalu
15. David Havili

RESERVES 
16. Andrew Makalio 
17. Joe Moody 
18. Oliver Jager
19. Quinten Strange 
20. Whetu Douglas 
21. Leon Fukofuka
22. Marty McKenzie 
23. George Bridge